Utility of the MCMI-II in assessing suicide risk.
The MCMI-II profiles of 40 psychiatric inpatients admitted for suicidal ideation and 40 patients admitted for a suicide attempt were compared. Subjects in each group were matched on sex, history of previous attempts, and other demographic variables. While the results indicate very few differences between the MCMI-II profiles of these two groups of patients, suicide attemptors scored significantly higher on Scale Y (Desirability), which suggests greater tendencies toward denial of problem areas. Patients with suicidal ideation yielded a mean profile with elevations on Scale 2 (Avoidant), 8A (Passive-Aggressive), 8B (Self-Defeating), C (Borderline), D (Dysthymia), and Z (Debasement). These results are discussed in terms of a stress-vulnerability model of suicidal behavior with suggestions made for expanding on the findings in future studies.
McCann
J T
JT
Department of Psychiatry, Erie County Medical Center, State University of New York, Buffalo.
Gergelis
R E
RE
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital; D011594:Psychometrics; D012307:Risk Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D000092864:Suicide Prevention